Does anyone have advice on GI / diarrhoea issues? It’s been 2 years for me

[Timmysarah]

even after switching from cell sept to myfortic.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi Timmysarah. Believe me, “been there, done that!” When I was going through that, my doctor advised Imodium tablets. Worked like a charm. I was ever so thankful (and so was my toilet!) Lol!!

But seriously, you want to be careful with constant diarrhea as it will eventually cause dehydration issues, which is not a good thing for those of us with CKD. I hope this helps, dear. Take good care of yourself! All my best to you, and God bless. 😊👍

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I don't feel like you gave enough details. Is your doctor aware of the diarrhea? What GI issues are you experiencing? What medications do you take? How old? Do you have CKD? Is it possible you also have IBS? What type of diet lifestyle are you consuming?

[Timmysarah in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Hi Melissa,

I am a twice transplant kidney patient (41 years old), last transplant was 5 years ago. I went to a gastroentologist two years ago and they found a stomach ulcer. My nephrologist believes this was due to Cellcept and switched me to myfortic and totally switched diet to plant based. and low potassium.

Things eased, however it's so frustrating that i still have many days where there are stomach issues, i shared this post in case there somebody had a better way to deal with these symptoms, or a better explanation.

I'm also taking prograf, and carvidelol.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Timmysarah]

Do you consume dairy products? Itis possible that you have some IBS going on. I have switched to a low FODMAP diet, which is just another challenge with CKD, but it has helped my stomach pains, and irregular stool issues quite nicely.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Also, since you are plant based diet, you may be getting too much fiber. I know if I eat too much fiber I am on the toilet more than I am interested in being. You may have to decrease fiber a little, or increase fluid intake if you can safely do so.

[Timmysarah in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Hi Melissa, apologies for the late reply. thanks for the FODMAP suggestion I will try to incorporate it.

Fibre advice seems confusing, another poster mentioned to use fiber pills to alleviate diarrhea issues.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Timmysarah]

Do some research on Fiber. The amounts vary on age, apparently. I know for me if I consume too much Fiber I am going to spend a lot of time on the toilet, and I get very bloated and gassy. I don't find that pleasurable. Like with most things it is finding a happy medium for your body. No one body is the same as another. As for FODMAP, be sure and seek advice from a Dietitian if you can. The elimination process can leave you lacking in some nutrients. For me, I already had some ideas as to the foods that most likely were causing me distress. Do some research before you begin, and go slow. Laxatives can become dependent, so be careful.

[steve680]

Not sure if you're constipated as well, but if you are, be careful about taking laxatives as long-term use of them can cause kidney damage.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to steve680]

Wow. I did not know that laxatives also causes kidney damage. Thank you for that “good to know” piece of info! I appreciate it! 😊👍

[Timmysarah in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I don't have that problem but thank you for sharing. Switching immunosuppressant brands last year helped ease the problems but it's still difficult to live with hence asking on this forum.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

If you are taking Cellcept did you have a transplant?

I take Myfortic and Neoral for my immunosuppressants. My doctors switched me to name brand because of diarrhea issues. I am now 20 years post transplant and still have problems once in a while. I take fiber pills (3) before each meal. This has really helped me. If I have an early morning appt., or when I was flying some where I always take an Imodium pill. My GI doctor had suggested taking one or even 1/2 of an Imodium every other day. I got the OK from my nephrologist to follow that routine. I do that when we are going on a trip.

[Timmysarah in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you WYOAnne, that is helpful to know. I will try incorporating the fibre pills and see if that helps me.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I forgot to tell you that if you did have a transplant, you need to tell your transplant team about what is going on with your GI issues. They were able to decrease my dose of Myfortic which did help some and they are the ones that sent me to see a GI doctor.

If you have CKD, you should talk this all with your nephrologist besides your PCP.

Let me know how are things .